Fiji is one of six nations and territories that have expressed an interest in hosting the 2027 Pacific Games.

Tonga, American Samoa, Guam, Tahiti and Vanuatu have also lodged their interest with the Pacific Games Council.

The declaration of interest from Tonga is one of the most eye‑catching of the potential contenders.

Tonga's Government withdrew from hosting the Games in 2017, citing financial concerns as the motive for the decision.

It led to the Pacific Games Council reopening the bid process and selecting Samoa as replacement hosts in December 2017.

Fiji, Guam and Tahiti have all hosted the Pacific Games on multiple occasions previously.

Fiji will be seeking to host the Games for a record fourth time, with the country currently sharing the record with New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and now Samoa.

The inaugural Pacific Games were held at Suva in Fiji in 1963, before they returned to the capital city in 1979.

Fiji's most recent hosting of the event was in 2003.

A decision is expected to made at the Pacific Games Council General Assembly next year, giving the chosen host the standard seven‑year preparation period.